Relates to the U.S. Antarctic expedition,Operation High Jump. Shows Douglas DC-3 airplanes (R-4D in U.S. Navy) loaded aboard the deck of USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) at a U.S. naval base in Norfolk, Virginia. U.S. sailors spot an iceberg in the Southern Ocean. Christmas celebrations held aboard U.S. ships. Scenes from the Central Group underway. Cruzen and other officers gather for a conference. Views of Scott Island and waves crashing on its rocks. The ships reach the Scott Island in Southern Ocean. Cruzen transfers his flag to the USCGC Icebreaker Northwind to become the lead boat in cutting channels for the group.

Relates to the U.S. Antarctic expedition,Operation High Jump. Shows shellback initiation rites held aboard the USS Mount Olympus (AGC-8), under Captain Cruzen, sailing in Atlantic upon the crossing of the equator. U.S. vessels caught in a heavy sea-storm. Ships move through heavy seas. USS Cacapon (AO-52) along side the USS Mount Olympus in heavy seas for refueling. Captain of USS Cacapon comes aboard the Mount Olympus to discuss and urge rapid refueling for safety of the ships. Seaplane aboard a seaplane tender falls in the sea due to heavy turbulence. Surgeons operate an injured sailor at the sick-bay on a vessel.

U.S. explorer Admiral Richard Byrd's Antarctic III expedition to Antarctica. Expedition members assemble a dog sled on the deck of the Barkentine, USS Bear, while underway to the Antarctic during Admiral Byrd's 3rd Expedition.

A film about Sir Ernest Shackleton's last expedition to Antarctica. Ship Quest sails through icebergs in the Antarctic Ocean. A huge iceberg. The ship in the foreground and an iceberg in the far background. Crew members climb up a ladder in the foreground.

A film about Sir Ernest Shackleton's last expedition to Antarctica. Ship Quest sails through ice in the Antarctic Ocean. Ice floats on the surface of water as Quest sails through it. The stern of the ship as it sails ahead and ice drifts away.

A film about Sir Ernest Shackleton's last expedition to Antarctica. Ship Quest sails through ice in the Antarctic Ocean. Crew members remove ice from the rails of the ship. Men use sharp tools to remove ice from the rails.